Since its foundation in 2000, Limerick Musical Society (LMS) has firmly established itself as a young and exciting musical society. Our commitment to producing top quality and vibrant musical theatre has seen us bringing to Limerick audiences shows such as Jesus Christ Superstar, Chess, Copacabana, West Side Story and most recently Hot Mikado.
For this first article I spoke to Barbara (Meaney) Henn, Niamh Morrison O'Brien and Beena Day. Both Barbara and Niamh have been involved with LMS since 2001 when they performed in the production of Chess, with Beena making her debut in the society's production of West Side Story in 2003.
Niamh has appeared in all LMS productions since her debut, as has Beena, however Barbara took some time out during Copacabana to have her second child. As a child herself Barbara used to watch Tops of the Town on television and then was lucky to have been involved in several productions.
Niamh attributes her interest to her parents Michael (RIP) and Mary Morrison who introduced her to musicals at a very young age. Her mother Mary is still very heavily involved in musical theatre and according to Niamh prefers these days to work behind the scenes. In fact she is stage manager for this production of The Hired Man. Beena also has loved musicals from an early age.
Their main reason for getting involved in LMS was their absolute love of being on stage and Niamh even went as far as to say "it is like a drug, once you've done it once you're hooked".
All three are dancers and love shows where dancing plays a big part, something that they have had to forfeit for this production as there is more a focus this year on choral work and difficult harmonies. In fact rumour has it that had Barbara known that we were planning Copacabana in 2002 she may possibly have revised her baby plans!
Although being involved in a musical means giving up a lot of their time and is a lot of hard work, they are all in agreement that it is the 'craic' in rehearsals and the friends that you make that are some of things that make it worthwhile being involved in a musical, especially as both Barbara and Niamh met their husbands while performing in musical theatre.
When speaking about their ideal roles in a musical, Barbara said that she would really love to choreograph a show while Beena said "wouldn't it be loverly" to play Eliza Dolittle in My Fair Lady. Niamh on the other hand isn't too fussy, she just wants to play something challenging with lots and lots of dancing.
So if you would like to see Barbara, Niamh and Beena strut their stuff on stage, then come along to The Hired Man in the LIT Millennium Theatre this April.
The Hired Man will run from Friday 15th April to Saturday 23rd April 2005 and tickets are already selling at a fast pace for what promises to be once again a spectacular treat for musical theatre lovers in the region. Booking is now open on 061 322322.
